Making the Most of March

It was a frost on the whiskers kind of day, with temperatures hovering near 1 F (-17 C) and a brisk wind – but the sun was out and the trails were calling.

One of my frosty skiing buddies! Photo: M.Kopp

I tried not to whine too loudly as we bundled up in layers from top to bottom and braved the borderline frigid weather for a 10-mile (16 km) rolling loop through the foothills of the Rockies. Unlike my canine companion, a.k.a winter-loving hound, I don’t always find it easy to get going when temps dip below a certain point.

My attitude rapidly turned positive as the forest closed in to block the wind and a short climb warmed chilly toes.

March is a fantastic month to get outdoors, because even though the temperatures can still tank, the sun is starting to pack a light punch and daylight hours are increasing with impressive speed.

We passed snowshoers close to the parking area, but only a handful of other skiers as we shuffled along the outer leg of our loop trip, dipping through thick aspen groves and lichen-encrusted spruce forests and sliding past dried cow parsnip heads drooping under the weight of winter’s snow.

A picture perfect day!

How to enjoy the outdoors in a sometimes windy and cold March:

Sleep in and start later, when temperatures have risen a few degrees

Dress in layers from your core and legs, to feet and hands

Put lip balm, contact cases and camera batteries in pockets close to your core to keep from freezing

Pack a thermos with hot liquids (licorice tea is my personal fave)

Pick an elevated lunch spot (fallen tree) out of the wind and in full sun